DUBAI: Riding on a record-breaking century from opener Shahzaib Khan, Pakistan opened their campaign at the Under-19 Asia Cup with a 43-run thrashing of India at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

Shahzaib’s 147-ball 159 — the highest score for a Pakistan batter in Under-19 ODIs, surpassing Shamyl Hussain’s 150 against Sri Lanka in Karachi last year — helped Pakistan post 281-7 after opting to bat. India’s chase never got going and they were eventually bundled out for 238 with Ali Raza (3-36) being the pick of the bowlers.

Pakistan won the toss and the decision to bat first paid off as Shahzaib and Usman Khan (60) stitched a 160-run opening stand to give their side a solid platform to cash in.

Shahzaib’s mammoth knock was studded with 10 sixes and five fours. After a cautious start, he reached his fifty off 67 balls before bringing up the century in the next 40 deliveries. His marathon innings finally came to an end in the final over as he attempted an aerial shot against Samarth Nagaraj before being caught by Hardik Raj.

For India, Samarth Nagaraj (3-45), Ayush Mhatre (2-30), Kiran Chormale (1-46) and Yudhajit Guha (1-46) shared the spoils.

India lost wickets at regular intervals, with half of their side back in the pavilion for 134 runs in the 31st over.

All-rounder Nikhil Kumar was looking good for his 67 before being stumped out by Pakistan captain Saad Baig off Naveed Ahmed Khan’s bowling.

They lost their ninth wicket for 190. However, a spirited Mohammed Enaan scored a 22-ball 30, with Yudhajit Guha (27) offering good support, to give India an outside chance before he was run out.

Pakistan next play the United Arab Emirates on Monday with their final Group ‘A’ fixture scheduled for Wednesday against Japan.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024